Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia
Department 511 - RULES OF GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
Chapter 511-3 - ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH HAZARDS
Subject 511-3-4 - SOLID WASTE
Rule 511-3-4-.03 - General Provisions

(1) Solid waste generators, including occupants of any premises, shall store garbage, pending collection, in water-tight, approved plastic or galvanized metal containers no less than 20 gallons in capacity, with close fitting lids and handles or in such other types of receptacles as may be approved by the Health Authority. Other non-putrescible refuse which cannot be stored in receptacles pending collections shall be flattened, stacked, piled or bundled.

(2) Bulk storage and compactor containers must be water-tight, of sturdy, rust-resistant construction and must be easily washable. Tight-fitting doors, lids or other approved closures must be affixed over each access or discharge port. Containers must include fittings for standard hoisting equipment. Removable plugs must be installed in drain openings and lids and doors on bulk containers used for garbage storage must be closed at all times after loading or emptying.

(3) Permanent bulk storage containers receiving garbage shall be placed on solid or concrete platforms or pads, located and constructed to minimize spillage and facilitate cleanup. The platform surface must slope to a drain so that liquid waste flows by gravity to a sanitary sewer. A water supply under pressure shall be required for container cleansing.

(4) The location of solid waste containers shall be as close as practical to the highest concentration of employees or to the participants, observers and employees to special events. However, the units should be placed as far from the food service area as possible.

(5) At special events, solid waste containers shall be located convenient to participants and accessible at all times for maintenance by truck.

(6) Temporary bulk storage and compactor containers receiving garbage shall be placed on a solid surface located and constructed to minimize spillage and facilitate cleanup.

(7) Organic residue shall be removed. If necessary, garbage storage receptacles shall be washed. Storage locations and containers shall be treated with an effective pesticide if indicated.

(8) Special event sponsors shall obtain a permit for needed solid waste storage containers as a requirement for authorization to hold the event. A contract must be provided for verification of proper storage, handling and disposal of solid waste.

(9) The number of containers required shall be calculated based on the anticipated peak attendance at a special event as determined by the health authority.

(10) Refuse storage containers shall be required in such locations, types and quantities determined by the Health Authority to meet the specific refuse storage and collection-frequency needs of the establishment, the occupants of the premises. Special requirements, including containerization, special collection frequencies or handling procedures may be required for rapidly-putrescible wastes.

(11) To facilitate refuse collection, generators shall place refuse receptacles in a location convenient and accessible for collection. No refuse or refuse receptacles shall obstruct gutters, drains, walkways, streets or other passageways or constitute fire or safety hazards. Individual refuse receptacles at multiple-unit buildings shall be marked to identify the owner.

(12) Refuse generators may elect to bale, shred, recycle or otherwise treat or process nonputrescible refuse onsite by means approved by the Health Authority. Remaining solid waste shall be stored, collected and disposed in accordance with this regulation.

(13) The generation, storage or use of garbage for animal feeding is specifically prohibited.

(14) Grease shall not be incorporated into solid waste stored for collection unless it is in sealed containers. Grease shall be stored separately for recycling or disposal in a manner approved by the Health Authority.

(15) The Health Authority may require replacement, removal or repair of defective containers, additional containers, premises sanitation, container cleansing, odor control, and elimination of fly, rat or mosquito populations and breeding conditions.

(16) Where local authorities allow solid waste to be placed in plastic or other disposable containers for immediate collection, such solid waste shall be returned to proper storage if not collected as scheduled. Scattered refuse shall be stored and collected in accordance with the regulation.

(17) All equipment used for the collection and transport of refuse shall be designed to prevent escape of any liquid. All surfaces of equipment coming in contact with wastes shall be smooth, nonabsorbent and in good repair.

(18) All equipment shall be cleansed and treated with an approved insecticide as often as necessary.

(19) All refuse spilled during collection or transportation shall be promptly removed by the refuse collector. The generator shall be responsible for spillage removal during normal use and storage.

(20) At each collection, all refuse in the refuse receptacle shall be removed. Receptacles shall be left covered and returned to proper use locations.

(21) Dead animals shall be stored, collected and disposed in a manner approved by the Health Authority.

(22) When required by the Health Authority, garbage (or solid wastes containing any quantity of garbage) shall be removed from each premises at least once a week; in no case shall a garbage-collection interval exceed seven days. More frequent collection may be required for rapidly decomposing, odorous or hazardous wastes and garbage or mixed refuse from food service and similar establishments or as often as deemed necessary by the Health Authority. Containers serving multiple facilities shall meet disposal criteria for the facility having the highest level need for proper refuse management.